New information in the search for four men who had been terrorising the Hercules community has emerged from police on Thursday. Hercules police spokesperson, Captain Bonginkosi Msimango said they are now looking for about five suspects involved in the modus operandi of targeting and harassing residents at smallholdings in the Hercules precinct, west of Pretoria.
“The suspects are heavily armed with a rifle, pistol and a bolt cutter. The method of operation is that they target vulnerable people in the informal settlements within the plots (smallholdings). They rob only small items such as phones and cash. They used a bolt cutter to gain access to the rooms and usually fire shots if the victims took their time or neither open nor give them what they were demanding,” said Msimango.
Msimango said the men know their victims before they attack them. In one incident the men went to a smallholding where they found a man and his wife. “They called the woman by her name, Sarah, and told her that they knew she had withdrawn money from the bank. They robbed her of R500 and hit her husband with a bolt cutter. At another smallholding they shot two men who were sitting around the fire with other residents. The residents dispersed and ran for cover when the men started shooting. One of the victims sustained a bullet wound to the right arm and the other victim was shot in the right leg. The suspects proceeded to the room and shot through the door demanding cash and were given R300 through the door and they left the scene.”
Msimango said the men had targeted several other smallholdings using the same method between 28 and 30 November. The men are believed to have been operating in the area for a while now. Msimango said the victims have identified between three to five men. It is believed the men are also involved in a murder that took place in the area a while back.
“We would like to warn the community, especially those residing in remote or isolated areas, not to keep large amount of money with them but that they rather put it safe in the bank. We would also like the community to assist us in catching the men,” Msimango said.
Police appeal to the public to contact the Hercules police station at 012-3774100 or Crime Stop 0860010111 or SMS crimeline 32111 with any information.
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